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History and Related Documents

Dawson Park Gazebo
Beautiful dome salvaged from Hill Building which once stood as the cornerstone of Ablina, now serves as historical reminder.

Marquam Bridge off-ramp to nowhere
Plans for Mt Hood Freeway stopped short because of neighborhood activism

Streetcar Old and New
Photo of New and Old Streetcars under the 405 overpass in NW Portland

Portland's neighborhood system and commitment to public participation has been nationally recognized for many years. This page contains the beginning of a collection of electronic documentation of Portland's 35+-year history in the evolution of its Neighborhood Association and public participation system.

Additional sources and assistance with identifying individuals associationed with this history are appreciated. Please contact Paul Leistner, Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Dr. Matt Witt's 2000 PSU Ph.D. dissertation ("Dialectics of Control: The Origins and Evolution of Conflict in Portland's Neigborhood Association Program") includes the most complete history available of the evolution of Portland's neighborhood system from 1974 to 1998--its fascinating! The chapters that tell the story of the neighborhood system include:

The League of Women Voters of Portland studied Portland's neighborhood system in the mid-2000s. As part of this effort, the League prepared a short history of Portland's neighborhood system through 2005.

The categories on this page serve as a sort of index to the different types of documents available here including budget related documents, documents particular to the evolution of the city code governing the system as well as academic studies and a guide put together to help individuals interested in putting together their own neighborhood's history.

Historical archives related to the evolution City Code Title 3.96, including information on the GREAT committee, authorizing language for the Office of Neighborhood Involvement and Guidelines/Standards for Portland's Neighborhood Associations system.